Why we need Vitamin A

Vitamin A

Vitamin A (also known as retinol) can help support vision, immune function, and the maintenance of skin and normal mucous membranes. Natural sources include cheese, eggs, milk and oily fish.

BioCare BioMulsion A Liquid 10ml £11.56

BioCare Bio-A 5000iu £11.65

BioCare BetaCare 30 Caps £7.60

BioCare Vitasorb A 15ml £9.65

Patrick Holford Eye Support 60 CapsulesNOW £11.48 £22.96

BioCare Eyecare Plus 60 Caps £22.36

 

What is Vitamin A?

Vitamin A (also known as a group of retonoids; retinoid, retinyl palmitate, retinal and retinoic acid), was identified as a fat-soluble molecule in 1911. Being fat soluble, it is best consumed with fats such as oils as this aids its absorption. Unlike water soluble vitamins, fat soluble vitamins are stored by the body.

Vitamin A is absorbed by your duodenum (the first part of your small intestine) just below your pancreas, and then transported to the liver where it is stored for future use. It is then taken from the liver and transported through the blood to various tissues such as the skin.

Vitamin A is found in animal sources and is especially rich in the liver where it is stored. There are also precursors of vitamin A which are a group of carotenoids, the most recognised one being beta-carotene that is found in plants that tend to be red, yellow and orange. Vitamin A is classed as an antioxidant as it helps protect the body against oxidative stress.

Why do we need Vitamin A?

Vitamin A supports immune function, the maintenance of normal vision and skin. A poor vitamin A status has been linked to poor night vision and blindness. Vitamin A is also used in some face creams so that it can be absorbed directly by the skin to protect the skin tissue.

The Benefits of Vitamin A:

• Contributes to eye health, and vision.
• Helps to maintain healthy skin.
• Helps protect mucous membranes.
• Contributes to normal iron metabolism.
• Vitamin A contributes to the normal function of the immune system.
• Vitamin A has a role in the process of cell specialisation.

Which Foods are Vitamin A Sources?

Vitamin A is rich in a range of animal foods such as egg yolk, liver, dairy and fish. The precursor to vitamin A, beta carotene is found in an array of fruits and vegetables such as green leafy vegetables, yellow and red peppers, sweet potatoes, butternut squash and carrots.